13: The Musical is now available on Netflix and offers families a touching story based on the Broadway Musical “13”, but with a twist, which...

13: The Musical is now available on Netflix and offers families a touching story based on the Broadway Musical “13”, but with a twist, which includes Debra Messing!

To learn more about this new character, I was able to interview Debra Messing and get the behind the scene details!

Note: I was invited as media for movie screening and cast interview. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Event covered by Savio P. Clemente, Board Certified wellness coach, author, syndicated columnist, podcaster who blogs at www.thehumanresolve.com


Debra shared her thoughts about playing a new character not in the original musical, acting with kids and how 13: The Musical highlights Jewish families.

Similarities with the Character

Debra Messing: First I'm also a divorced women, a single mom of one boy, from New York City who grew up in Rhode Island next to a farm, and was one of three Jewish kids in my whole community. So I saw myself in Evan.

I understood the experience of being an "other" at that age. Just desperately wanting to fit in and feeling like people just don't understand.

I think that the writing between the mother and son was really honest. I love the fact that it's through the boys eyes. So much of the time, these movies about high school, it's the girls who are struggling. So to have a boy, it just feels powerful to me.

Debra Messing: Also it was very meaningful to me to see my culture, to see a story about a Jewish family. I can't remember a movie where it's about a Jewish family. With all the antisemitic in the world getting worse, I think it's really important to show inclusion is the way.

They make sorta of weird guesses about what being a jew is, and it's funny, but by the end, they teach each other. And their changed, at the end, everyone is welcomed, everybody is dancing together. That really was the most important thing to me.

Being Evan's Mom for the Movie

Debra Messing: It was shocking to learn the character didn't exist in the Broadway play, and that was the point, they wanted to expand the lens. And the fact that there would be a new song.

I felt a lot of responsibility, because I knew they were changing this beloved musical, and often change can be not a great thing for big fans. So I wanted her (the mom) addition to add something to the movie, that made sense, without distracting from all the joy.

Debra Messing: I felt some freedom cause the character didn't exist. I was able to have some faith because Robert Horn, is such an amazing book writer. We had a 2 week locked in when in Toronto and he called and said, lets go through the movie and the lines to see if you have any thoughts.

I thought that was incredibly generous. We came up with new funny stuff and I like Jessica!

Interactions with Eli Golden

Debra Messing: Eli blew my mind. Just walking on that set and having that kind of responsibility, of carrying the whole movie. And to have to sing, dance, learn choreography, I thought any kid would be overwhelmed by this.

The very first day, we did our song, so to spend the while day, just the two of us, and to sing a song that intimate, really brought us together. And really set the stage for the whole rest of the movie.

The Take Away Message of 13: The Musical

Debra Messing: I hope kids can watch and recognize that they're not alone. That whatever struggles their going through or questions they have about themselves, it's the norm for this time in a kids development.

Also to learn how to be forgiving of yourself, cause everybody makes mistakes, including adults. To show that a mistake isn't a failure, it's a lesson. You can choose to be defeated by it or you can choose to be better. And to make a better choice next time.

13: The Musical is streaming exclusively on Netflix.

SYNOPSIS

Following his parents’ divorce, 12-year-old Evan Goldman (Eli Golden) uproots from New York City with his mother Jessica (Debra Messing). With his Bar Mitzvah fast approaching, Evan is devastated that he must leave all his friends, his father (Peter Hermann) and his rabbi (Josh Peck) behind.

But upon arriving at his grandmother’s (Rhea Perlman) house in small-town Walkerton, Indiana, he hatches a plan to win new friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party ever. As an outsider navigating the complicated social circles of his new school, Evan quickly finds out he’s not the only one grappling with the all too familiar anxieties of eighth grade.

While his new friends Patrice (Gabriella Uhl) and Archie (Jonathan Lengel) fret over the fate of the planet and unrequited love, respectively, popular cheerleader Lucy (Frankie McNellis) desperately plots to stave off a first kiss between her crush Brett (JD McCrary) and best friend Kendra (Lindsey Blackwell).

To make matters worse, Evan invites the popular kids to his party—who aren't fans of Patrice. With these competing interests in play, Evan faces the impossible task of bringing everyone happily together in time for his party, or else risk social ruin.

Suddenly, turning 13 isn’t looking as good as it’s cracked up to be.

Cast: Debra Messing, Eli Golden,Gabriella Uhl, JD McCrary, Frankie McNellis, Lindsey Blackwell, Jonathan Lengel, Ramon Reed, Rhea Perlman, Josh Peck, Peter Hermann

13: The Musical | Official Netflix Trailer



Directed by Tamra Davis, and based on the hugely popular musical 13, which debuted on Broadway in 2008.
Writer: Robert Horn - Based on the Broadway Musical “13”
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Dan Elish And Robert Horn
Producer: Neil Meron p.g.a
Executive Producers: Tamra Davis, Bob Boyett, Mark Nicholson, Jason Robert Brown, Robert Horn

Learn more, visit- www.netflix.com/13themusical

In Abominable movie, you'll learn the story of YI, a young girl in China trying to find peace after the loss of her father, so she can r...

In Abominable movie, you'll learn the story of YI, a young girl in China trying to find peace after the loss of her father, so she can reconnect with those that care about her most.

To learn more about Abominable, we attended a special screening for the film in 4DX! We looked forward to seeing the film because....don’t we all, at some point, wish we could find the magic in life again after tragedy?

Note: I was invited as media by Universal/DreamWorks Animation to this screening. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Written by Normel Smith, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, wife, mom, woman of faith and home education enthusiast who blogs at www.normeltalks.com.


Not to give to much away but yes Yi does find the magic in life, with the help of her new magical Yeti friend and neighborhood friends. It’s a beautiful story filled with some fun-filled comedic relief and action-packed adventures where your kids will laugh out loud and be totally engaged.

Reasons To Watch in 4DX

1. The Bigger The Action, The Greater the Movement

This movie is filled with adventure from escaping drones to traveling across China incognito. With every jump, crash and wave, the seat under you moved back, forth and side to side making you feel like you were jumping and crashing yourself. It sure made the kids laugh.

2. The High Sensory Experience Makes You Feel Like You Are In the Most Notable Parts of China

From smelling the magical flowers growing around the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan to seeing the fog from the avalanche of the mountains to feeling the mist of a rainy day, you can’t help but feel the nature happening around the characters in this movie.

3. The Family-Oriented Theme

Abominable is a good balance of action, humor and the importance of family. So, don’t worry, your chair will not be moving the whole time. When the seats are still you will enjoy big comfortable seats.

This is a movie the whole family can enjoy. When you see this movie, try to tap into your inner silly child and laugh with your kid. Even though this movie begins to feel a bit long, I suggest you join the many others and check it out! You and your kids will love it!

Abominable is now in theaters.

Synopsis

ABOMINABLE | Official Trailer



DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio’s co-production Abominable takes audiences on an epic 2,000-mile adventure from the streets of a Chinese city to the breathtaking Himalayan snowscapes.

When teenage Yi (Chloe Bennet, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building, she and her friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), name him “Everest” and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth.

But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help Everest get home.

Starring: Chloe Bennet, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Albert Tsai, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson, Tsai Chin, Michelle Wong

Abominable is written and directed by Jill Culton (Open Season, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 2) and is produced by Suzanne Buirgy (Kung Fu Panda 2, Home). Peilin Chou of Pearl Studio also produces.

The film is executive produced by Tim Johnson (Over the Hedge, Home, ANTZ), Frank Zhu (Checked In, Lotus Code) and Li Ruigang (Kung Fu Panda 3, The Taking of Tiger Mountain) and is co-directed by Todd Wilderman (Trolls, The Croods).

To learn more, visit - www.dreamworks.com/movies/abominable

The Year of Spectacular Men is very much a family affair, with Lea Thompson directing her real life two daughters Zoey and Madelyn Deutch, ...

The Year of Spectacular Men is very much a family affair, with Lea Thompson directing her real life two daughters Zoey and Madelyn Deutch, and their father Howard Deutch producing. I had the pleasure of attending the New York premiere at the new Landmark Theater with the cast & crew in attendance.

I was invited as media to the screening and after party. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Written by Christina Chin, who's hip, fashionable and located in New York City.


After the screening, I joined in the after party at Legacy Records and got to meet with Lea Thompson, who I personally have loved since Back to the Future!


As a director, Lea Thompson shared

"I cut my teeth in the early eighties, during the John Hughes era, so I've always been fascinated by the dance of young single people. These were stories John, my husband (Howard Deutch) and many other directors and writers explored tirelessly during that time, but there are so few takes on the girl's perspective. Plus I always knew Madelyn could write, she hasn’t stopped since about seven years old, and she's always made me laugh so I inspired her to take a crack at a feature script."


I also met the lovely star and screenwriter Madelyn Deutch, who also indicated she loved being part of a movie with their family.

"We both agreed, young women are a group that's embarrassingly under-served. Aside from a few choice shows, I couldn't believe how alone I felt when scrolling through a platform, or changing the channel. And it's not because I am picky, it's because our voices aren't exactly being given a megaphone. We wanted to challenge that, even if it was just with our own little movie-that-could."

Deutch describes the seed from which the film grew.

"Most generations seem to agree that your early twenties are a brutally transient time, where you have all this self doubt and you are asking all the big questions, but I think being a millennial in your early twenties can be triply complex.

We're (often) this very privileged generation of kids with piles of opportunity and a blank canvas to paint the life you want but we're paralyzed by an enormous pressure to "make a difference" and stand out in a world that is extremely loud, incredibly fast, and undeniably globalized. I feel like people are hungry for something a little more intimate, vulnerable, and handmade. And independent filmmaking often feels like the last man standing in that regard."

MY REVIEW

This likable indie rom-com chick flick for the millennial crowd goes through a year in the life of Izzy (Madelyn Deutch), a recent grad looking for some meaning and purpose, meandering through life and living off her sister while often making typical bad decisions with guys.

Her aimlessness is in sharp contrast to her movie star/model younger sister Sabrina (Zoey Deutch) who seems to have it together with a steady relationship and successful career.

There are some great snark lines and hilarious scenes often involving Izzy and the guy du jour that often reminds me of Tinder date stories gone wrong, but also some heartfelt family moments, no doubt due to the fantastic sibling chemistry that shines on screen.


The Year of Spectacular Men - Official Trailer - MarVista Entertainment



SYNOPSIS

Izzy Klein has (barely) graduated from college, broken up (sorta) with her boyfriend, and is stranded in New York City with a bad case of pre-real-world millennial-itis. Unsure of what the next step is, her movie star little sister Sabrina convinces her to move back home to Los Angeles and into her shared apartment with movie star boyfriend Sebastian, where they can keep an eye on rudderless Izzy.

Emotionally unable to deal with the loss of her father, and slightly distracted by her mother Deb's newfound love affair with loopy yogi Amythyst, Izzy funnels her energy into dating a colorful bouquet of five complicated and spectacular men: Aaron, Ross, Logan, Mikey, and Charlie, over the course of the next year.

Coping just barely with the help of her trusty notebook, she falls in and out of some not so romantic romances, and figures out that when it totally feels like the end of your story, it's often just the beginning.

Cast: Zoey Deutch, Madelyn Deutch, Lea Thompson, Jesse Bradford, Cameron Monaghan, Nicholas Braun, Brandon T. Jackson

Director: Lea Thompson
Screenwriter: Madelyn Deutch
Producers: Gordon Gilbertson, Howard Deutch, Daniel Roth, Damiano Tucci

In celebration of Mother's Day, DivaMoms.com and Vbeauté recently hosted a mini pampering event for busy moms. Vbeauté was launched in N...

In celebration of Mother's Day, DivaMoms.com and Vbeauté recently hosted a mini pampering event for busy moms. Vbeauté was launched in November 2011 by Julie Macklowe, who was searching for anti-aging skincare products that could make a difference and would meet her daily multitasking needs.

The It Girl, successful hedge fund manager, fashion socialite and mom partnered up with top molecular biologists in Sweden to develop the Vbeauté skincare line using the rarest botanicals and most advanced bio-technology available. The line is made for sensitive skin and is paraben free, fragrance free, gluten free, nut free, and oat free.

Vbeauté has a full line of skincare including cleansers, moisturizers, serums and eye cream but the coolest thing Julie developed is the It Kit!

The It Kit is a cool looking clutch in gunmetal shine that holds five skincare essentials for you to take anywhere, anytime. With the patented design, the It Kit is refillable; perfect on-the-go sizes of your favorite products are available for replenishment. Includes Undercover Agent, Rub Off, Evidence Eraser, Buying Time and Eye Never. ($165 for the It Kit)

During the event guests receive mini facials while learning about Vbeauté skincare line, enjoy some wine and cheese and even get a psychic reading from a celebrity psychic for the adventurous!


The skincare line is currently available at Bergdorf. You can find more information onVbeauté skincare products at www.vbeaute.com

With the stress of work and the fast pace of the New York City lifestyle, it's no wonder my skin is always irritated with break outs or ...

With the stress of work and the fast pace of the New York City lifestyle, it's no wonder my skin is always irritated with break outs or dry patches from all the pollutants in the city! Luckily, I recently attended an exclusive event at the Penthouse in the London Hotel to learn of a new sensitive skincare line launching in the U.S. called Simple and their new partnership with U.S.

Written by Christina Chin, who's hip, fashionable and located in New York City.

Please Note: I was invited as media and received a gift bag after the event. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.


Women's Soccer Goalkeeper, Hope Solo. The event in the posh hotel served tasty hors d'oeurves and sweet drinks to guests perusing the skincare line that was placed all around the suite with interactive stations to learn more about the line. Hope as well as Simple's consulting board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Segal was in attendance to answer any Q&As and discuss the Simple line as well as skincare education.


Hope talked about her busy schedule training for the 2012 Olympics, the stress and pressure of winning gold for the USA, and the constant traveling and how it does a number on her skin which affects her self confidence in her appearance on national television and the media. Simple skincare is quick and easy and she loves how it cleans and refreshes her face after a grimy long day of training.

Hope's top 3 picks are the Revitalizing Eye Roll-On, the Cleansing Facial Wipes and Soothing Facial Toner that she takes with her when she's on the go.


Simple is UK's #1 facial skincare range and is now available in the U.S. The new line of products are suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin since it has no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can make your skin break out. All products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and pH balanced.

They have 13 products in their line currently and I can't wait to try all of it, but a few products I was most looking forward to trying out were:
For when I'm at the gym or taking a run in Central Park, the Exfoliating Facial Wipes look perfect to carry in my gym bag to do a quick freshen up. The double-sided wipe gently lifts dead skin cells to leave skin revived and revitalized and includes Pro-Vitamin B5 and E as well as Aloe Vera.

For those long nights with little sleep and you still need to look your best, the Revitalizing Eye Roll-On helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and wakes up tired eyes by cooling and gently massaging the eye area. Includes Pro-Vitamin B5 and Cucumber Extract and Glycerin.

I'm a sucker for toner as I always feel that toner always refreshes the face and cleans away any residue that cleansers may have missed. The Soothing Facial Toner has Pro-Vitamin B5 and Chamomile, Witch Hazel and Allantoin and is 100% alcohol free.

Simple is available now at mass retailers, drugstores and supermarkets nationwide with suggested retail price range of $5.99 -$12.99 depending on the product.

For more information on the rest of their entire product line, a Skin Health Consultation and tips from their expert advisor visit www.simpleskincare.com

I learned recently of an all natural option alternative to medicated products for allergy and sinus relief. As an allergy sufferer, this spr...

I learned recently of an all natural option alternative to medicated products for allergy and sinus relief. As an allergy sufferer, this spring was one of the worst allergy seasons ever due to the warm winter and I was hit hard with the constant sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion and always needed to take some kind of allergy medication to alleviate the symptoms even though I'm not a huge fan of Rx drugs.

Note: I was invited as media and received a gift bag after the event. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Written by Christina Chin, who's hip, fashionable and located in New York City.

I attended a media tour held at Kellari Taverna with delicious greek hors d'oeurves and sipped on 'Dead Sea' cocktails while the "house" doctor of The View, Dr. Steven Lamm discussed LAVI and their Dead Sea Sinus Solution as well as give tips on managing seasonal allergies.




LAVI's products main difference is the Dead Sea salt formula which has been clinically proven to be more effective than other saline or 'sea salt' products and as effective as nasal steroids without the negative side effects. Dead Sea salt has a unique composition (Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium) from other salts (Sodium) that provide a natural anti-inflammatory effect other salt do not.

LAVI Dead Sea Sinus Solutions products are all natural and non-addictive and ideal for anyone include old and young, pregnant and even those for whom prescriptions or medicated allergy/sinus products may be contraindicated. These products can be used for both preventative measures as well as treating onset allergy reactions.





LAVI offers a range of sinus solutions including:

Complete Sinus Wash Kit ($15.99) : Everything you need for simple, effective and economical sinus wash, it includes easy-mix concentrate for 60 washes, plus easy-to-use custom reusable dispenser with self-orienting tip.

Nasal Decongestant Spray ($8.99) : LAVI Nasal Spray is a hypertonic, anti-inflammatory Dead Sea mineral solution that acts as a powerful, natural decongestant, safely relieving swelling, congestion, and other moderate to severe allergy symptoms. LAVI Nasal Spray can also be used as a “mini sinus wash” when needed.

Nasal Moisturizer ($5.99) : A gentle, soothing hypotonic Dead Sea solution, LAVI Nasal Moisturizer is a hypotonic Dead Sea solution that provides gentle, soothing relief for dry nasal passages, naturally moisturizing and soothing dry, itchy nasal passages and helping draw in moisture to maintain healthy sinuses.

Sinus Wash Concentrate ($13.99) : Economical, easy-mix Dead Sea mineral concentrate, LAVI Sinus Wash Concentrate provides 60 washes that rinse away allergens, germs and pollutants that cause allergy symptoms and other respiratory illnesses. For use in LAVI’s custom dispensing system, neti pots or other dispensers.

Ready to Use Sinus Wash ($12.99) : Convenient, pre-mixed solution in a comfortable, easy-to-use dispenser, LAVI Ready To Use Sinus Wash is a mildly hypertonic Dead Sea mineral solution that washes away allergens, germs and pollutants that cause allergy symptoms and other respiratory illnesses. LAVI Sinus Wash is ideal for use in the morning and again before bedtime to wash away allergens, germs and other pollutants that cause allergy symptoms and other upper respiratory illnesses.

Dr. Lamm also provided some basic quick tips on managing seasonal allergies:

• Keep pollen under control. Wash your bedding every week in hot water. Take showers after spending long periods of time outdoor.
• Protect yourself when working outdoors. Wear a mask to protect yourself from airborne allergens, especially on windy days.
• Protect yourself when working indoors. Wear protective gear when dusting, vacuuming, painting, etc to limit the amount of dust/chemicals you are exposed to
• Wash rugs. Try to limit the number of throw rugs to reduce dust and mold
• Keep indoor air clean. Keep windows closed to reduce pollen and dust levels and change air filters in AC units and vents frequently.
• Practice daily nasal washing and proper nasal hygiene. Doing so can help flush allergens, pollutants, germs and other toxins from your nasal passage.

For more information, visit - www.lavimed.com

Smashbox threw a fun shindig to introduce their new Spring 2012 Color Collection line called Be Discovered that includes all the latest, tre...

Smashbox threw a fun shindig to introduce their new Spring 2012 Color Collection line called Be Discovered that includes all the latest, trendiest spring shades.

Please Note: I was invited as media and received a gift bag after the event. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Written by Christina Chin, a hip and fashionable 30 something old located in New York City.



This year's spring trend include a range of pastel colors for all skin colors, with a lot of orange hues. You would think that may be too garish but it comes off quite natural looking and brightens the face.

The Be Discovered Spring line includes:

• Be Legendary Lipstick ($19): Comes in 3 shades: Pink Petal, Melondrama and Honey. The lipstick has an ultra cream formula including vitamins A & E and shea butter to moisturize as well as go on smooth and stay on from morning to night.
• Be Discovered Eye Shadow Palette ($44): This palette includes 8 shadows to blend and create your own look all season long and includes crease resistant sheer and matte shades ranging for light browns to lavender.
• Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner and Brush Set ($22): Comes in 2 shades: Intrigue and Idol. This innovative gel-based waterproof formula glides on and dries to a budge-proof finish and is formulated without parabens, so the liner is safe to use on the inner rim too! The set now includes a liner brush to ensure the perfect application.
• Cream Cheek Trio ($29): Comes in 2 shades: Show Biz and In Lights. The pot includes 3 blendable cheek colors to give yourself a glow and can be worn alone and layered together.

So a few of my favorite things from this collection: the Cream Cheek Trio - In Lights. I love the colors and the shimmer to layer upon to give a subtle highlight on my otherwise pasty cheeks and paired with a sheer light lipstick color like Pink Petal.

The cheek color went on creamy and you can just use your fingers to blend the right amount. The lipstick is bright and goes on creamy and lasts a really long time, even after I had breakfast and lunch! I'm ready for spring!!


It was a fun time snacking on hors' doeurves, cocktails and getting makeup touch-ups before being professional photographed by the Smashbox co-founder himself, Davis Factor.

You can find this collection at Smashbox.com, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Beauty.com and select Macy's.